When does the HOLIDAY begin?-The crusing novice reports

One would expect on finally leaving Westport to join our boat 'My Way' in Schull, destination 'La France' ,that our holiday had truly begun.

Taking in to account the build up to our departure,3 weekends of festivities on board during the memorable Volvo Ocean Race stop over in Galway,

Subsequent daily visits to Galway to  in an effort to prepare the 'le bateaux' for the channel crossing,the weekend delivery of 'My Way' to Schull via Inis Mor and Dingle (thanks to Eugene Owens),and finally the journey to Schull,via Dublin ....at this stage the spirit was willing but the body was to say the least ..Not.

Weather bound in Schull for three days the boat became a floating tool box.Faulty became the 'buzz'word.Radar,radio,lift raft cradle...the list was endless.

Are we nearly there yet?Finally wer'e off.(p.s.Thanks for your hospitality Kevin Murray and Katarina..you nearly killed us with kindness!!!!).The worst is over .The HOLIDAY begins.

LOG ENTRY:02/07Departure Schull-Brest 05.40. 19.00 hours change course to Scilly Isles.Motored all the way.Night Watch 2 hours schedule.3 persons on board.Robert ,Anne and Martin Mc Intyre.Miserable Evening .Dense fog/rain/mist.visibility poor.After initial difficulties(surrounded by trawlers) radar now reflecting targets.Entered traffic zone.Arrived Scilly Isles exhausted 11.30.

Surely the HOLIDAY had now begun!Refuelled,time ashore and some beverages consumed.OOPS! we're  off again 20.45.(no time to put on the nightie!!!)

 LOG ENTRY:03/07Slipped mooring to beat incoming weather.Calm.02.35 Wind up .Full main only.Some traffic (Trawlers everywhere..like ants).Speeds up to 7Knts

07.00Entered traffic zone.Took evasive action to avoid traffic.Motored sailed most of the way.14.50 picked up mooring in L'ile d'Ouessant.

Our trip so far has taken us on to Le Conquet(no facilities for visitors ,but  locals very welcoming),Camaret,where we heard of the shocking and sad new of Tommy Gibbons death.On to Saint Evette and finally to where I have spent the last two weeks,Loctudy,near Benodet.I have another week here before we head south for another two weeks.(What recession???)

 So far we have shared many new and old! good and bad !experiences,our encounter with the French Customs (le douane) being among the pleasant ones....exhaustion like I've never known..Lots fun and laughter..oops there goes the dingy..hey !who blocked the loo?????Our posteriors have become re-accustomed to cycling(thanksto the Kilkelly clan for the fold up bikes).Our French is flourishing..mais oui! We're packing in the ould Moules frites and crepes..but most of all we're giving it a go.

 Clew Bay beckons but the weather doesn't.

Our chief navagator and wonderful travelling companion Martin Mc Intyre has left to join his beloved boat 'Roamer' in Rota in southern Spain.We wish him well.

 The adventure goes on .. .The HOLIDAY had begun all along..I just hadn't known it.

Anne Mc Gonagle...MY WAY

(My Way will head to Northern Spain next summer..all going well)